Responsive Teaching for Sustainable Learning: A framework for inclusive education

Drawing on Australian and international research, this book presents teaching and support strategies for educators to be responsive to the particular learning needs of each of their students and deliver quality inclusive education in a sustainable way.

Based on the Responsive Teaching Framework, an instructionally-focused approach for teaching that is evidence-based, purposeful, and responsive to students' learning needs, this book assists teachers to build on their current capabilities and strengthen their expertise to ensure that every student in their classrooms can be an effective learner. Part I of the book explains the theoretical and practical basis of Sustainable Learning as a way of thinking about inclusive education through a focus on responsive teaching. Part II unpacks each of the eight steps of the Responsive Teaching Framework. These chapters focus on the reflective questions that guide responsive practice, from whole class and individual student perspectives, outlining practical strategies that can be used, as well as the assessment practices and evidence-gathering needed to support each step of the responsive teaching process. Part III examines the influences that school leaders have on inclusive practice and proposes a Responsive Leadership Framework (RLF). The RLF aligns with the Responsive Teaching Framework to provide a shared language and deepen understanding of Responsive Teaching for Sustainable Learning.

Written for practising educators, school leaders, and postgraduate students, Responsive Teaching for Sustainable Learning delivers models for inclusive, sustainable teaching practice in an easily accessible format.

Jeanette Berman has been a teacher, school psychologist, and teacher educator in Australia, and teacher of educational psychologists in Aotearoa New Zealand. Since retirement she is Principal Fellow in the Learning Intervention team at The University of Melbourne. Jeanette received an Order of Australia Medal for services to education in 2023.

Lorraine Graham is Professor of Learning Intervention at The University of Melbourne. Her work focuses on the effective teaching of students with learning difficulties, sustainable learning, self-regulation, and teacher professional learning. Lorraine received recognition as a Member of the Order of Australia for her contributions to inclusive learning in 2023.

Anne Bellert is Senior Lecturer in Learning Intervention. She has over a decade of experience in advising school leaders and teachers about the inclusion of students with disabilities in school settings, and a further decade of experience in Initial Teacher Education and postgraduate teaching in inclusive education and leadership.

Lisa McKay-Brown is an Associate Professor in Learning Intervention and has extensive experience as a teacher working in a range of education settings with a particular focus on students with disability. Her research intersects health and education, and focuses on school attendance problems, positive behaviour support, and inclusive education.